Follow by Email

Followers

Blog Design

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

One Month at HOME

Gotcha day was on January 21st. A special day surrounded by a lot of chaos and stress. I'm sure you can remember...if not read about it here. We were so happy to have our Gracie, but by mid week I was ready to be home. January 26th we walked into our home and introduced Gracie to her new and permanent life.

I wanted to update you one month from the day we came home for a couple of reasons: numbers and pictures. On January 26th we took pictures of Gracie and measurements so that we could remember where she had been and celebrate the changes that we knew were to come.

As I took her measurements today my eyes filled with tears. How can this be? How can these numbers be right? Can a child really grow this quickly? I know they can. I've seen even more drastic changes in other children adopted in the same (and worse) circumstances. But when my daughter has changed in such a way before my very own eyes...unbelievable. See for yourself.

First Day Home

One Month Later

Weight

20 lbs

22 lbs

Height

33”

34”

Head Circumference

17”

18.25"

Upper Arm

4”

6”

Forearm

4”

5.75”

Thigh

7”

9”

Calf

5”

6”

Chest

18”

19”

Waist

16”

19”

Feet

4.5”

4.75”

Clothing size

12 months

18 months

All of these numbers stun me. I expected to see change, but this much so quickly surprised me. I never would have expected the size of her head to change so much if even at all within one month!!! Over an inch difference...in one month!!! Her waist...well, I knew that would change. Without a doubt I knew her waist size would increase, but 3" is shocking to me!!

Please, look at what a family can do for a child! I am not sharing this to brag on what we have done for Gracie. I am sharing this to inspire others. An orphanage...an institution...is no place for a child!

We still have a long road ahead of us. Gracie is progressing so quickly and amazes us everyday. She is such a smart girl who was never allowed or encouraged to learn and grow. Now she is making up for lost time and she is unstoppable. I can look in her eyes and just tell when something clicks.

I hope that others will see the changes in children when they get families and realize that there are so many children wasting away, locked behind gates, and walls and crib bars. They need families too!